“There are people who give their time. There are people who share their knowledge. Then there’s Jeff — who shows up with both, every single time, and somehow still leaves you surprised.” That’s Gowthami Dhir, MSx ’20, describing Jeffrey Risberg and his commitment to being a catalyst for change. His GSB degree focused on business administration and VC/startups. He went on to enjoy a successful career in software development and engineering, notably as CTO of Sustainable Silicon Valley, CEO of Squirrel Legend Games, and currently, as principal software architect for Aisera, which provides AI-based customer-service solutions for enterprises. “His schedule is intense,” Gowthami says. “And yet he continues to make time for projects that matter.”
Jeffrey uses his tech savvy to do good in the world, such as advising an organization seeking to improve education in India, and serving as an exhibit curator, guest lecturer, and course instructor at the Museum of American Heritage in Palo Alto, sharing his knowledge of technology, history, and design. Through the Stanford Alumni Consulting Team, he advised JustGiving, a UK-based fundraising platform. “To date, he’s contributed to six different ACT projects,” Gowthami says. “He doesn’t just ‘advise organizations’ — he transforms them.” In 2022, Jeff was recognized with an ACT Volunteer Milestone Award for his contributions.
ACT’s recent project for the Bay Area-based Making Waves Education Foundation helped a charter school serving under-resourced students in grades 6–12 use AI to explore college and career paths. Though the project has wrapped, Jeffrey continues to offer his time and expertise. “His involvement doesn’t stop at the project’s ‘official’ end,” Gowthami says. “If there’s more to be done, and he can help — he does. No fanfare, no ask, just action.” Jeffrey also makes time to mentor students from Stanford and elsewhere. “Whether it’s AI in education, climate strategy at scale, or more inclusive philanthropy, his influence ripples outward,” Gowthami says. ”Watching him in action doesn’t just impress me; it inspires me to do more.”
